Farewell to Bell

Don Bell: There is a big feeling of elation over the deal but also a big touch of sadness

Bell Micro’s founder and chief executive Don Bell has admitted there is ‘some pain’ to come as his company integrates fully into Avnet.

The distributor megalith announced last week that its acquisition of Bell Micro had finally been completed, with the European part of the business being folded into Avnet Technology Solutions.

Speaking exclusively to CRN last week, Bell revealed he had signed up for two years as a consultant to Avnet, but officially resigned as an employee when the deal went through.

“We have been working really hard on this,” Bell said. “There have been no legal issues or disagreements. My plan is to help this be a success, and I really want it to be very successful for Avnet which has a visionary management team. I think we are getting a good deal for shareholders, and the people of Bell will bring a great deal to Avnet’s table.

“There is a big feeling of elation over the deal, but also a big touch of sadness on my part,” he said.

He told CRN that Graeme Watt, formerly Bell’s president of worldwide distribution is to take on the role of president of Avnet Technology Solutions EMEA, and European president John Toal will head up the UK part of the business.

Bell also revealed that the Bell Micro name will be no more.

“I am quite happy about that because I can remember it how it was,” he said.
Bell said the distributor’s recent SEC filing woes have made his staff a stronger team and they will prove an asset to Avnet.

“We spent $120m (£79m) on dealing with lawyers and accountant and my time was diverted for three years,” he said. “But this team is battle hardened. We have been through tough challenges and emerged a little wounded but victorious. I would go into battle with this team again in a second.

“Most of the people have jobs and a lot of our staff will end up in their organisation,” he added. “Actually I think [the integration] is far beyond my expectations. I am really excited about the future for our people and for Avnet. There will be some pain as we lose some support functions along the way, but overall it is positive.”

Roy Vallee, chief executive of Avnet, was also positive about the deal.
“Bell Micro is the largest acquisition in Avnet’s history on a revenue basis, and substantially improves our global scale and scope competitiveness. We welcome the Bell Micro customers and suppliers as well as the talented employees at Bell who support them.”